Women's Equality Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified on August 26,
1920, guaranteed the right to vote for American women. Women's Equality
Day commemorates this constitutional amendment and is an opportunity
for citizens across our country to honor those who took part in the
long and difficult struggle for women's suffrage, as well those since
1920 who have continued to fight for equal rights for women.

Beginning with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, women's
suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, and lobbied for
enfranchisement of American women. Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, and Lucretia Mott led this movement and advocated an amendment
to the Constitution that would guarantee women the right to vote.
Through their vision and dedication, these women advanced the fight for
equal rights.

Today, American women are making a difference in their communities
and workplaces. Women's accomplishments in education, business,
science, art, medicine, athletics, and every other field have made
America better and stronger. The courage and determination of American
women are exemplified in the personnel serving in our Armed Forces.
Women across America are also helping to secure our country by serving
as police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and
first-responders.

Americans believe in opportunity for all and -on this day, we honor
the achievements of women who have charted the path to equal
opportunity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2003, as
Women's Equality-- Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.